1、Designation: F2060 00 (Reapproved 2011)An American National StandardStandard Guide forMaintaining Cool Season Turfgrasses on Athletic Fields1This standard is issued under the fixed designation F2060; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year oforiginal adoption or, in the c
2、ase of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. Asuperscript epsilon () indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.1. Scope1.1 This guide covers the minimum requirements for main-taining cool season turfgrasses used
3、for natural surface athleticfields. Practices covered include mowing, fertilization, irriga-tion, core cultivation, overseeding, and pest management.1.2 The decisions involved in maintaining a quality naturalplaying surface should consider soil types, local climate andother factors; therefore, it is
4、 recommended that you contactyour local cooperative extension service for more specificinformation on soils, and grass species and cultivars adapted toyour area.1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of thesafety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is theresponsibility of the us
5、er of this standard to establish appro-priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.2. Terminology2.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:2.1.1 athletic field, na field constructed and utilized forconduct of various organized s
6、porting events.2.1.2 cool season turfgrasses, ngrass species widelyadapted to cool temperate climates. Some species persist andare used in warm humid to warm subhumid climates; referredto as the transition zone. Cool season species commonly usedfor natural playing surfaces include Kentucky bluegrass
7、, pe-rennial ryegrass, tall fescue, fine leaf fescues, creeping bent-grass, and colonial bentgrass. Creeping and colonial bent-grasses are normally used only on croquet and lawn bowlingcourts.2.1.3 thatch, nan accumulation of undecomposed organicmatter that can form at the soil surface in a turf.3.
8、Significance and Use3.1 A dense, uniform stand of turfgrass on a playing surfaceimproves the playing quality and safety of the field byproviding firm footing for the athletes and by cushioning theirimpact from falls or tackles. These standards are the minimuminputs required to provide such a surface
9、. Various publishedguides have been used in the development of this guide (1-5).23.2 Field conditions may directly influence the frequencyand type of athletic injuries occurring as a result of using thefields. While these standards do not guarantee that such injurieswill be prevented, a well-maintai
10、ned turf on a natural playingsurface should minimize field-related injuries.4. Apparatus4.1 GeneralExperience and good judgment are importantto match the proper type of equipment to the nature of the taskto be performed.4.1.1 Mowing EquipmentMower types include reel, ro-tary, and flail; although, th
11、e latter type is not recommended forfine playing surfaces. A reel mower should be used for playingsurfaces requiring mowing at less than 1.5 in. (3.8 cm). Mowerblades should always be kept sharp and properly adjusted inaccordance to manufacturers recommendations. Mowingequipment should be operated i
12、n a speed range consistent withthe manufacturers recommendation.4.1.2 SpreadersSpreaders are necessary if dry fertilizer orpest control materials are to be applied. Spreader types mayinclude drop, rotary (centrifugal, spinner), or oscillating.Spreaders should be calibrated to deliver the desired, la
13、beled,or recommended rate of fertilizer or pest control product beingapplied.4.1.3 SprayersSprayers are necessary if liquid fertilizersor pest control materials are to be applied. Low pressuresystems are recommended. Sprayers should be calibrated todeliver the desired, labeled, or recommended rate o
14、f fertilizeror pest control product being applied.4.1.4 Core CultivatorsCore cultivation (aerification, cor-ing) equipment relieves soil surface compaction. Core cultiva-tors should be of the type that physically removes soil, such asa hollow tine or spoon. Cultivators with12 to34 in. (13 to 19mm) t
15、ines on 4 to 6 in. (100 to 150 mm) spacings should beused on all playing surfaces. Spikers, slicers, or similar types ofequipment are not suitable for relieving surface compaction.4.1.5 SeedersSlit seeders should be used for any over-seeding or renovation operations. Slit seeders cut a groove intoth
16、e soil and deposit the seed in the groove at a predetermineddepth.1This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F08 on SportsEquipment and Facilities and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F08.64 onNatural Playing Surfaces.Current edition approved June 1, 2011. Published July 201
17、1. Originally approvedin 2000. Last previous edition approved in 2005 as F2060 00 (2005). DOI:10.1520/F2060-00R11.2The boldface numbers in parentheses refers to the list of references at the endof this standard.1Copyright ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA
18、19428-2959, United States.4.1.6 Irrigation System or EquipmentIdeally, some sourceof water should be available for irrigation. Systems can rangefrom portable or permanently installed types.4.1.7 Soil Sampling Tubes, used to sample soils for testingpurposes.5. Mowing5.1 Mowing (General)The periodic r
19、emoval of excessshoot growth is necessary on natural surface playing fields.5.2 Mowing HeightThe mowing height of a natural sur-face athletic field will vary with the sport, turfgrass species,and time of the year.Adjust mowing heights accordingly, usingTable 1.5.3 Mowing FrequencyFields should be mo
20、wed as oftenas necessary. No more than13 of the leaf surface should be cutoff at any one mowing. Under normal growing conditions, thisusually means every five to seven days for fields maintained at1.5 in. (38 mm) or higher, two or three times a week forbaseball infields and other closely mowed field
21、s.5.4 Clipping RemovalFields maintained at a mowingheight of 1 in. (25 mm) or higher do not require that theclippings be removed at mowing if mowed at the properfrequency. Only remove clippings if the grass is allowed togrow excessively high so that clippings would accumulate onthe playing field sur
22、face. Playing surfaces maintained at oneinch or shorter should have the clippings removed with eachmowing.5.5 Mowing PatternMowing direction should be variedwith each successive mowing. Striping of fields due to mowingdirection can be accomplished with one or two mowings priorto an event.6. Fertiliz
23、ation6.1 Fertilization (General)Fertilization is essential formaintaining dense, vigorously growing natural turfgrass fields.Fertilizer rate, timing, source, and ratio will influence a naturalturfs density, color, uniformity, recuperative ability, as well asits ability to tolerate wear, biological a
24、nd environmentalstresses.6.2 Soil TestingSoil testing should be performed on es-tablished fields every three to four years. More frequent testing(every one or two years) may be required on sand based fieldsor those having nutritional imbalances. Soil testing will iden-tify nutrient deficiencies that
25、 may be corrected by supplementalfertilizer applications or by fertilizer selection. Soil testing willalso identify changes needed in soil reaction (pH).6.2.1 SamplingA representative sample should be takenfrom each field. Using a soil sampling tube, pull out about 50random samples per acre of turf,
26、 and combine them to obtaina representative sample. Samples should be taken from the soilsurface to a depth of 2 to 4 in. (51 to 102 mm), or a depthrecommended by the testing laboratory.6.2.2 Remove the thatch and any stones or debris.6.2.3 Thoroughly mix the cores and pull a 1-pt (0.5-L)sample from
27、 the composite to submit to the testing laboratory.6.2.4 Provide as much information to the laboratory aspossible, including the use of the area, grass species, pastfertilization history, irrigation or not, clipping removal or not,age of the field, and other information the laboratory mayrequest.6.2
28、.5 Submit the samples to a state or commercial soiltesting laboratory. Maintain records of samples submitted, toinclude sampling date, soil testing laboratory, and results.6.3 Soil Reaction (pH)Soil pH should be maintained in arange of 6.0 to 7.0.6.3.1 Lime should be applied as per soil test recomme
29、nda-tions to increase soil pH. Lime materials may include pulver-ized or granular limestone, pelletized limestone, and hydratedlime. Use dolomitic liming materials if there is a need foradditional magnesium in the soil. Apply lime in spring, or fall,or both, until the desired pH is attained.6.3.2 Ap
30、ply no more than 100 lbs of agricultural lime/1000ft2(4900 kg/ha) per application on bluegrass, ryegrass, or tallfescue fields.6.3.3 Elemental sulfur or ammonium based fertilizers canbe used to decrease soil pH.Apply elemental sulfur at a rate notto exceed 5 lbs/1000 ft2(245 kg/ha) in the spring and
31、 fall untilthe desired soil pH is reached.6.4 Fertilizer Rate and Nitrogen SourcesCool seasongrass (Kentucky bluegrass, perennial ryegrass, and tall fescue)playing surfaces should receive fertilizer at a rate to deliver noless than12 lb of actual nitrogen per 1000 ft2(24 kg N/ha) pergrowing month. T
32、he need for higher rates will be dependent onclimatic and soil conditions, irrigation practices, and intensityof use.6.4.1 Quick-release nitrogen sources, such as ammoniumphosphates, ammonium nitrate, urea, or ammonium sulfateshould be applied at rates not to exceed 1 lb of actualnitrogen/1000 ft2pe
33、r application (49 kg N/ha). Slow-releaseforms of nitrogen, such as sulfur-coated urea, IBDU, ureaform,polymer coated urea, polymer/sulfur coated urea, and naturalorganics may be applied at higher rates less frequently throughthe year, and are preferred for use on sandy soils. Manyturfgrass fertilize
34、rs contain a combination of both quick andslow-release nitrogen sources, and usually are applied at a rateof 1 lb of actual nitrogen/1000 ft2(49 kg N/ha).6.4.2 Starter fertilizers applied at the time of overseedingshould be applied at a rate necessary to deliver 1 lb of actualnitrogen/1000 ft2(49 kg
35、 N/ha).6.5 Fertilization TimingThe dates of a fertilizer applica-tion should be adjusted to suit schedules and environmentalTABLE 1 Mowing HeightsNOTE 1Adjustments in mowing height should be made to accommo-date the sport using the field. Mowing heights should be increased whenthe fields are not bei
36、ng used or when the mowing height does not influencethe game.Sports Field Use Grass Species Mowing HeightBaseball infields, fieldhockey fieldsKentucky bluegrass orPerennial ryegrass0.75 to 2.5 in.(19to64mm)Baseball outfields; soccer,football, lacrosse, polo, andrugby fieldsKentucky bluegrass orPeren
37、nial ryegrass1.5 to 2.5 in.(38to64mm)Intramural and multiple-usefieldsTall fescue 2.0 to 3.0 in.(51to76mm)F2060 00 (2011)2conditions. In general, fertilizer should be applied at any timeof overseeding, in the spring (slow release sources preferred),early fall, and late fall. Irrigated cool season gr
38、asses may belightly fertilized in the summer with slow release nitrogensources.6.5.1 Fertilizer should not be applied to dormant turf or turfunder environmental stress (heat or dryness) during the grow-ing season.6.6 Fertilizer RatioThe ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus topotassium should be based on
39、a soil test. In lieu of a soil testreport, use a fertilizer with a 4-1-2 or similar ratio.6.6.1 Fertilizers applied at the time of overseeding shouldhave a 3-4-1, 1-2-1 or similar ratio indicating a higherpercentage of P2O5thanNorK2O.7. Core Cultivation7.1 Core Cultivation (General)Core cultivation
40、is aneffective means to alleviate surface compaction and is neces-sary to obtain an acceptable playing surface.7.2 Core cultivate natural fields monthly when the turf isactively growing.7.2.1 Do not core cultivate a natural turf surface when theturf is under heat or drought stress.7.3 Cultivate in a
41、 minimum of three directions.7.3.1 Severely compacted areas, such as goal mouths, mayrequire more passes to alleviate compaction.7.4 Allow cores to dry.7.5 Break up the cores by dragging with a drag mat or pieceof chain link fence or by pulverizing with a rotary or verticalmower.7.6 Irrigate if poss
42、ible to alleviate stress caused by coring.8. Irrigation8.1 Irrigate natural turf sports fields to replenish moisturelost from the root zone, which is about 1 to 1.5 in. (25 to 38mm) per week for Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue duringperiods without natural precipitation.8.1.1 On sandy soils, appl
43、y12 to34 in. (13 to 19 mm) ofwater every two to four days during periods without naturalprecipitation.8.2 Water early in the morning, when evaporative losses areminimal. Light watering in midafternoon is acceptable to coolthe turfgrass during periods of high temperature.9. Overseeding9.1 Overseeding
44、 (General)Natural surface athletic fieldsoften are worn to the extent that they will not recover throughnormal cultural practices. Such surfaces should be overseededa minimum of once a year. In some cases, overseeding may bedone during the playing season.9.2 Overseeding During the Off-Season:9.2.1 W
45、hile overseeding cool season grasses is best done inthe early fall, consideration should be given also to times of theyear when the fields are used minimally to allow for theestablishment of the seeded areas.9.2.2 Mow the field as short as possible without causing turfinjury, and remove any debris f
46、rom the field surface.9.2.3 Core aerify the field in a minimum of four directions,leaving the cores.9.2.4 Apply a high phosphorus starter fertilizer as describedin 6.4.2 and 6.6.1.9.2.5 Overseed using a disk-type seeder. Set the machine todeliver 20 lbs of Kentucky bluegrass, 40 lbs of perennialryeg
47、rass, or 60 lbs of tall fescue per acre (22, 45, or 67 kg/ha),and seed in two directions; lengthwise and diagonally acrossthe field. Do not use Kentucky bluegrass for overseedingunless the field can be put out of use for several weeksfollowing overseeding.9.2.6 Drag the field with a drag mat or piec
48、e of chain linkfence.9.2.7 If spring seeded, apply siduron at the recommendedlabel rate to prevent annual grass germination.9.2.8 Maintain the area at the shorter mowing height untilgermination is visible.9.2.9 Water the field as necessary to keep the soil surfacemoist.9.3 Overseeding during the pla
49、ying season.9.3.1 Perennial ryegrass is the preferred grass species forthis overseeding because of its quick germination rate.9.3.2 Slit seed in heavily worn areas at a rate of 4 to 6 lbsof perennial ryegrass/1000 ft2(195 to 293 kg/ha). Broadcast orslit seed on the remainder of the field at a rate of 2 to 3 lbs/1000ft2(98 to 146 kg/ha).9.3.3 Divots from play should be filled with a mixture of 10parts soil to 1 part seed (by volume) shortly after each athleticevent.10. Pest Management10.1 Pest problems such as weeds are common on naturalsports fields.
